I want a pet. : Adoption Success Stories
Celebrating 1,000 Adoptions in 2008!
On May 1, the staff at the Seattle Humane Society clapped and whooped when a lovely woman named Melissa Remirez De Estenoz chose to adopt a special cat named George.
Ms. Remirez De Estenoz looked a little stunned by the applause, until we told her that 14-year-old George was the 1,000th pet to be adopted from our shelter this year. Then she broke into a big smile and said, “Oh, how wonderful!”
She had come to the Seattle Humane Society to find a good pet for her 85-year-old mother, Sheila, who lives in her home and has Alzheimer’s disease.
“I’m adopting George for my mom, because she needs someone to love,” said Ms. Remirez De Estenoz. “She just lost my father, and George reminds me of him…a stoic architect who was quiet,” and quite the opposite of her talkative mother.
Research shows that seniors do better when they have a pet. They eat more regularly because the remember to feed the pet. And they get more exercise caring for the pet.
As our 1,000th adopter, Ms. Remirez De Estenoz was treated to a gift basket with lots of goodies to make George feel right at home: food, toys, and a new cat box with litter.
Some people say that the Seattle Humane Society has the best pets anywhere, and we agree!
Tucker
Orphaned at just six years old, Tucker, a delightful Italian Greyhound, was slated for death at a municipal shelter because of a growth on his throat. Luckily, our staff rescued him and brought him to the Seattle Humane Society where he could receive the treatment he needed. Our vet team removed the growth, and testing revealed that it was a swollen salivary gland.
Following surgery, Tucker needed several weeks of recovery time, so he was placed into one of our dedicated foster homes. It didn't take long before Tucker was back in tip-top shape and his cheerful nature charmed everyone he met. Tucker eventually found a new family where he is thriving and getting all the cuddles and kisses he deserves. In return, he spoils his humans with an endless supply of love and affection.
Baby & Cashew
After a fire destroyed Baby and Cashew's home, the terrified cats hid for days. Once they emerged from hiding, Baby and Cashew still faced a significant hurdle: pets were not permitted in the temperary housing where their guardian was staying.
Fortunately, the Seattle Humane Society has a partnership with the American Red Cross to provide care for companion animals when families loose their housing due to an emergency. This program allowed Baby and Cashew to receive care, love, and a safe place to stay through the Seattle Humane Society's emergency foster program. In the end, these two charming cats were reunited with their family where they remain, healthy and happy at home.
Rocky
When 8-month old Rocky arrived at our shelter he was frightened and exhibited behaviors that once would have meant euthanasia. He had been kept in a yard with little contact with people and may have been underfed. He exhibited serious “food frenzy” and lunged at staff trying to feed him when he first arrived at the shelter.
Emily, our behavior program manager, fostered Rocky and developed a behavior modification program for him. Under her care, love and consistent guidance Rocky made rapid progress. He started eating more calmly, and learned to sit and stay. Rocky went to Puppy Next Step class at the shelter, and soon after, we found him a home of his own. We helped Rocky’s new guardians understand how to use training techniques he was familiar with, and we offered ongoing support.
Bentley
Bentley came to us in pain. The cataracts in his eyes were so bad that immediate surgery was neccessary to save his life. After our vet team performed the operation, Bentley, a handsome six year old tiger cat, recuperated in a foster home and began to adjust to life without sight.
Saving Bentley was truly a team effort - our veterinarians performed the surgery, a dedicated foster volunteer provided care during his recovery, and our adoptions staff worked hard to find him a loving home.
Bentley's new guardian is now giving him all the affection this special cat deserves. Even though he no longer has eyes, Bentley never lost his capacity to love and be loved in return!
Rosie
Injured and hungry, three year old Rosie was wandering the streets of Renton, trying to fend for herself. Rosie had been hit by a car and was coping with the pain from a serious leg injury.
A Renton animal control officer found Rosie and brought her to the Seattle Humane Society since we have agreements with both Renton and Medina to house their strays. After the stray period has passed, these animals become adoption candidates at the SHS.
Once Rosie arrived at the shelter, we immediately began to treat her leg injury. Despite enduring one painful bandage change afer another, Rosie never gave up her sweet disposition. Her good nature touched all of the shelter staff and we were delighted when she found a loving family. Today, we hear that Rosie is enjoying being the center of attention at her new home - and she never gets tired of it!
Jasper
At 13-years old, Jasper would not be considered a candidate for re-homing at many shelters, but that’s not the case at the Seattle Humane Society. In fact, Jasper was our TV star for Pet of the Week and that’s how we found him a home of his own.
“I saw Jasper on the news one morning,” said Heather, “and stopped dead in my tracks because he looked almost exactly like a cat I had as a child. I let it go, but had a dream about him the next night and decided I was going to adopt him if he was still available. I drove up to
“The staff seemed sad to see him go after a six month stay, but thrilled he was heading to a new home. He spent about a day and a half under the bed, like most cats, but after that came out and settled down next to the fireplace. When he’s not walking around exploring he’s curled up sleeping where it’s warm. Jasper is one of the friendliest, sweetest kitties I’ve ever known and I’m glad to have him and happy to offer him a comfortable home.”